On the Water

Amazing views are just one of the benefits of these stunning waterfront homes.

WHETHER IT’S A secluded lakeside cabin or an oceanfront villa, a home on the water offers more than fantastic views. It’s a key to an entirely different lifestyle, touching on everything from how you entertain to how you keep active—and there are plenty of benefits you might not even be aware of.

Ever noticed how much more relaxed you feel after a vacation by the water? Maybe it’s the peace and privacy you get from those uninterrupted views. Or the sound of waves lapping on the shore.

Whatever it is, that serene feeling isn’t just in your imagination. Research shows the advantages of waterfront living go beyond picture-perfect views and refreshing breezes; just looking at an ocean, a lake, or another body of water actually reduces stress and improves wellbeing. A study by New Zealand scientists revealed nature’s powerful therapeutic capabilities. Using national databases, the researchers found that residents who lived near visible coastlines reported less “psychological distress.” To confirm the result, the study also measured whether the benefit correlated with other factors, such as income and crime rates—but even after adjusting for those, the stress-relieving effect of living near water held true.

Stress less. Research links Increased visibility of “blue space”—as in water views—with lower levels of psychological distress.

THIS FOUR-BEDROOM contemporary home offers a duality of water views, thanks to its position on a spit along Oregon’s central coast. From the master bedroom and the living room, the eyes are drawn past windswept seagrass to the sandy beach where the Pacific Ocean’s waves crash on the shore; the kitchen and dining room offer views of a more placid lagoon and Siletz Bay, a wildlife preserve. MLS# 17-1326

IN ADDITION TO improved emotional health, being surrounded by water offers plenty of opportunities to boost your physical wellbeing. There are countless recreational water sports to enjoy, whatever your fitness level or idea of fun. If you’re lucky enough to have a property with its own dock or frontage, opportunities for a quiet paddle in a kayak or an action-packed day of jet-skiing are right on your doorstep. Local boat clubs or activity groups can be excellent ways to dip your toes into a new passion—and to meet your likeminded neighbors. If you’re after more solitary pursuits, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) and fishing can’t be beat.

Get active. Living near or on the water opens up a whole new world of activities, from boating and paddleboarding to fishing.

FROM THE VIVID sunset views and fresh ocean breezes on the lanai to the lava-rock shower garden, this Kona Coast home delights all the senses. The tropical-modern design features walls of windows, a gourmet kitchen, mahogany trim throughout, and an airy floorplan. MLS# 631483

ANOTHER ASPECT of waterfront living that contributes to a more relaxed state of mind is the connection to the natural environment. From the tropical fish and giant turtles that swim by as you’re diving or snorkeling the crystal-clear waters of Hawai‘i to the deer that gather to drink from a Pacific Northwest lake, every marine environment has its own unique ecology of flora, fauna, and fish. Tuning into it can be incredibly rewarding; invest in a guidebook and explore your world.

Natural connections. A growing number of studies suggests that a connection with nature makes us healthier and happier.

THE KONA COAST—the west coast of the “Big Island,” where this home is located— boasts many great spots for diving and snorkeling due to its clear, relatively calm waters and coral reef. MLS# 631483

OWNING A HOME on the water can be a great investment in your personal health and happiness—and it’s a sound financial investment, too, according to Windermere Chief Economist Matthew Gardner. “There’s a saying when it comes to housing that ‘we aren’t making any more land,’ and this is true; but what is equally true is that we aren’t making any more waterfront property,” Gardner says. There’s a limited amount of shoreline property, but there are always people looking to buy or rent on the water. The demand will always be there, meaning your home will retain excellent resale value—though Gardner advises these properties can take longer to sell. “Clearly there is a significant premium associated with waterfront real estate and this does translate into longer market time, but price growth in 2019 for waterfront homes was almost double that of non-waterfront homes.”

Sound investments. Due to limited inventory. waterfront property retains its value and is always in demand.

THIS FIVE-BEDROOM in Gig Harbor, Washington, offers awesome views and expansive grounds that lead gently down to a separate guest cottage and then on to a private waterfront area that’s perfect for relaxing or entertaining friends. MLS# 1526464